Mother Nature's fickle spring ways play havoc with high school sports in Northeast Ohio. But we've learned you just have to tough things out once in a while.

After spending the winter inside watching hoops or hockey, swimming or wrestling, it's time to get back to the great outdoors to sit in on some baseball, softball, track or boys tennis competitions.

Hey, it's going to warm up one of these days.

So whether it's marveling at the speed of Anthony Young of St. Edward; or the graceful strides of Solon distance ace Therese Haiss; or the racquet antics of tennis whiz Aaron Sandberg from Walsh Jesuit; or the rocket deliveries from Elyria softball pitcher Caitlyn Minney; or the hard-hitting of Mayfield outfielder Mitch Longo; don't let the conditions get in the way. Be reminded the school year is winding down.

And so are the high school careers of so many deserving young people.

Some will go on to greater glory in college. But more than many will put away their school-colored athletic endeavors for good. The wins and losses will fade over time.

But the days of representing your school will always remain special. Be there for them this spring.

May we suggest . . .

. . . Some baseball players to watch

Jalen WashingtonThe Plain Dealer

Cassidy Brown, Walsh Jesuit: The 6-3, 210-pound senior catcher/pitcher has been designated as the best college prospect in Ohio by MaxPreps and the eighth-best by Prep Baseball Report. Batted .432 with five home runs and 29 RBI last season. Will attend Loyola Marymount.

Brad Cisar, Solon: The son of Solon assistant coach Brad Cisar batted .397 with five doubles and 17 RBI in 2012, while striking out 23 in 15 2/3 innings. The versatile senior -- he can play either corner spot in the infield and pitches -- will attend Miami University.

Eric Lauer, Midview: The 6-4, 195-pound Kent State recruit was 5-2 with two saves, a 1.13 ERA and 103 strikeouts in 49 2/3 innings. He also batted .370 with five home runs and 27 RBI. The senior left-hander also plays the outfield.

Mitch Longo, Mayfield: At one point late last season The Plain Dealer All-Star outfielder was batting .551. Finished with a .540 average, 21 extra-base hits and 40 RBI. The Ohio recruit walked 15 times and struck out five times in 107 plate appearances.

Kade McClure, Mentor: The 6-6, 195-pound junior pitcher has made an early commitment to Louisville. His fastball has been clocked at 88-90 mph and he has an effective change-up. Pitched most of Mentor's biggest games last season, going 4-3 with a 4.59 ERA.

Joe Mockbee, Walsh Jesuit: The left-handed pitcher held opponents to a .231 batting average while striking out 22 and walking six in 23 innings. Has signed with Cincinnati.

Keith Orzen, Chagrin Falls: The pitcher/outfielder will be a four-time letter-winner. Batted .356 with 23 RBI and is closing in on the school record in that department. Also had five wins as a pitcher.

Dan Rowbottom, St. Ignatius: The 5-11, 180-pound senior second baseman batted .312 with one home run and 17 RBI in helping the Wildcats compile a 20-10 record. Has signed with Illinois.

J.P. Sorma, Independence: After batting .468 and leading the area with 43 RBI, the 6-1, 215-pound shortstop signed with Ohio State. Sorma possesses good power -- he hit six home runs and had four triples -- and good speed (11 stolen bases).

Tyler Sullivan, Holy Name: A strong summer season earned the catcher/shortstop a scholarship to Evansville. The switch-hitter batted .563 at the 2012 Perfect Game WWBA National Championships.

Dan Trimble, Mentor: The catcher/pitcher has made an oral commitment to St. Bonaventure. Coach Len Taylor believes the 5-9, 175-pound senior has one of the strongest arms in the area. He batted .319 with 22 RBI. Was recruited as a catcher.

Doug Urban, Gilmour Academy: The 6-2, 180-pound shortstop struck out just four times in 73 at-bats while batting .568 and driving in 23 runs. Will be a four-year letter-winner and will play for St. Bonaventure.

Jalen Washington, Twinsburg: A three-sport star, he returns to baseball after laying off last year. That did not hinder him from attracting interest from several schools. Will walk-on at Ohio State. Earned honorable mention status in the Northeast Ohio Conference as a sophomore.

Griffin Weir, Amherst: The pitcher/first baseman missed five games due to injury and batted .422 with eight doubles and 22 RBI. The 6-4, 205-pound right-hander chose to attend Stanford over Louisville, Georgia Tech, Vanderbilt and Michigan.

-- Tim Rogers

. . . Some softball players to watch

Kristen ConfroyThe Plain Dealer

Taylor Braddock, Riverside: The junior catcher/third baseman batted .431 with a .597 slugging percentage, 26 RBI and four home runs but has only scratched the surface.

Nicole Doyle, Aurora: The pitcher/outfielder made an immediate impact as a freshman in 2012. Batted .467 and got on base 49 percent of the time. Also went 8-1 on the mound with a 1.38 ERA and 137 strikeouts in 81 innings.

Carleigh Herrington, Keystone: The junior first baseman took a backseat because of last season's stellar senior class but still batted .462 with three triples, two home runs, 29 RBI. Sported a .557 on-base average. Committed just one error in 79 chances.

Savannah Karako, Lake Catholic: The junior outfielder is coming off a breakout season, producing a .495 batting average, 26 RBI, 20 runs scored, three home runs, a .495 on-base average and a .947 fielding percentage.

AnnMarie Kirchner, Highland: The senior batted .456 with 23 RBI, 23 runs scored and eight doubles. Had a .990 fielding average and a misleading 10-9 pitching record with a 2.83 ERA. Struck out 122 batters in 139 innings.

Alexis Mack, Brecksville-Broadview Heights: The sophomore second baseman is already committed to South Carolina after garnering a program-record 51 hits, 51 runs scored, 13 doubles and 56 stolen bases. Also turned in a .935 fielding average.

Caitlyn Minney, Elyria: The pitcher came back with a vengeance last season after sitting out her sophomore year because she transferred from Keystone. Posted a 21-2 record and 1.27 ERA with 171 strikeouts and 24 walks in 143 innings.

Kourtney Paul, Twinsburg: The junior made the switch from shortstop to centerfield and has become a Division I college prospect because of it. Batted .448 with 26 RBI, 26 runs scored, 14 walks, 12 stolen bases -- and she didn't make an error in 36 tries.

Jenny Raguz, Notre Dame-Cathedral Latin: The senior middle infielder/Ashland recruit is coming off a season in which she batted .432 with five homers and 30 RBI. That after hitting .506 with 33 RBI and 14 stolen bases as a sophomore.

Vanessa Scoarste, Medina: The junior shortstop/Kent State recruit batted .437 with an on-base average of .510 and collected 19 RBI in the leadoff spot. Belted eight home runs, with 11 walks and 11 stolen bases.

Jamie Screen, Westlake: The senior's outstanding speed and ability to bunt/slap are reasons her school-record 56 hits resulted in a .533 batting average. Second baseman/outfielder also had a team-best 105 at-bats, 31 runs scored and 22 stolen bases.

Dagmar Smith, Black River: The senior and Ursuline recruit posted a 15-2 record on the mound, 0.670 ERA and 133 strikeouts in 94 innings during an injury-riddled junior campaign. Still managed to bat .433 with 20 stolen bases and a .582 on-base average.

Alexis Thomas, Avon Lake: The senior third baseman and Wright State recruit hit a sizzling .494 with 34 RBI and carried a 1.039 slugging percentage because of eight doubles, eight homers and five triples in 87 plate appearances.

Kate Thomas, Midview: The senior and Cleveland State recruit did what a first baseman is suppose to do: batted .372 with 17 RBI, 32 hits, 24 runs scored, a .535 slugging percentage and she didn't commit an error in 212 chances.

-- Bob Fortuna

. . . Some boys track athletes to watch

Khoury CrenshawTerry Gilliam, The Plain Dealer

Leighton Antonio, Hudson: Senior's personal bests were 10.93 seconds in the 100 meters and 21.57 in the 200, and he was fifth at state in the Division I 200 last year.

Brian Brennan, Walsh Jesuit: Miami recruit was The Plain Dealer's cross country runner of the year last fall after placing third at the Division I state meet. He'll be a contender in the 3,200.

Brian Calvey, Independence: Division III state runner-up in the 400 as a freshman last year (49.28).

Will Carter, Orange: Senior was a state-placer in the Division II 200 and long jump.

Khoury Crenshaw, Solon: Senior is the defending Division I 100 state champion (10.76) Personal-best is 10.55. Also placed fourth in the 200.

Shaun Crawford, St. Edward: As a freshman last year, he was eighth in the 200 and ninth in the 100 at state. Respective personal-best times are 11.89 and 21.89.

Garrett Crichlow, Twinsburg: Versatile junior placed eighth at Division I state cross country meet and was seventh at state track in the 1,600 (4:19).

Nicholas Elswick, Chardon: Junior ran a 9:02.41 in the 3,200 last week, slashing 14 seconds off his previous best of 9:16, which he ran while placing fourth in the Division I state meet last year.

Shelton Gibson, Cleveland Heights: Senior is a West Virginia football recruit with a 10.67 personal-best in the 100 and 21.35 in the 200. He was the state runner-up in the 200 last year and fifth in the 100.

Mick Iacofano, St. Vincent-St. Mary: Division II state cross country champ is a Kentucky recruit. Senior placed fifth in Division II 3,200 last year (9:33).

Owen Norley, Kenston: Senior is the state's top returning Division I 1,600-meter runner. He placed fifth at state last year (4:18.79), including a 58-second final lap.

Aaron Owens, Midpark: Clemson pole vault recruit was the Division I state runner-up at 15-8. His career best is 16-0.

Kyle Polman, Independence: Senior is a four-time All-Ohioan in cross country. Track personal-bests are 4:26 in the 1,600 and 9:10 in the 3,200.

Antwon Smith, John F. Kennedy: Senior is the defending Division I state champ in the 400 (47.44) and opened this season with a state-leading 21.50 in the 200. Has attracted interest from Southern Cal and Texas Christian.

Steele Wasik, St. Edward: Placed third in the decathlon at the AAU Junior Nationals last summer. He's Ohio's top returning 110-meter hurdler (third at state last year) and a threat to win the high jump. His personal bests are 14.28 and 6-7 1/4, respectively.

Anthony Young, St. Edward: Senior Indiana football and track recruit is the two-time defending state 200-meter champ and is the returning runner-up in the 100. His 10.43 in the 100 and 21.31 in the 200 at the district meet were the state's fastest times last season.

Aaron Zedella, St. Edward: Senior thrower is an Ohio State recruit. He was the Division I state shot put runner-up last year (62-7) and placed fourth in the discus (185-10).

-- Tim Warsinskey

. . . Some girls track athletes to watch

Christine BohanLonnie Timmons III, The Plain Dealer

Christine Bohan, Avon Lake: One of the busiest field event competitors, she was seventh in the Division I state high jump at 5-2 and ninth in the pole vault at 11-0. She was a regional qualifier in discus and shot put. Qualified for the state shot put as a sophomore.

Jelvon Butler, Solon: She was busy for the Comets last year as she helped them qualify for the state meet in the 4x100, 4x200, 4x400 and finished sixth in the 200. The junior will be just as much in a hurry this year.

Madi Connelly, Rocky River: The senior will look to make her fourth straight trip to Columbus. She was part of the 4x800 relay for the Pirates last year, the team taking 11th. She has made the state meet four times in cross country, finishing 43rd last fall.

ImaniDavis, St. Vincent-St. Mary: As a freshman, she led off the winning 4x400 relay and was on the second-place 4x200 squad as the Irish won the Division II title. Things should only get better as a sophomore.

Morgan Estes, Green: Returns for her senior season after winning the Division I pole vault at 12-5. Seeking her fourth straight trip to Columbus after second as a freshman and ninth as a sophomore.

Stephanie Ferrante, Chardon: The junior got her year off in good order at the indoor state meet as she was second in the 60 dash, 200 and 400, while finishing fourth in the long jump to score 29 points as the Hilltoppers finished second to Solon. She won the 100, 200 and 400 at last weekend's Avon Lake Invitational. At the state meet a year ago, she was seventh in the 100 and qualified for the 200.

Alexis Gray, Solon: The strong-armed junior was third in the Division I discus last year at 139-1 and 11th in the shot put at 38-9.5. Regional champ in discus and second in shot.

Therese Haiss, Solon: The Oregon recruit returns for her senior season as last year's Plain Dealer girls track athlete of the year. She won the Division I 800 in 2:08.05 and was second in the 1,600 in 4:53.80. She won both of those events at last month's indoor state meet as the Comets won the team title. The distances are no problem as she was The PD's 2012 cross country runner of the year.

Chelsea Laury, SVSM: The junior looks to be a solid contributor as the Irish are out to defend its Division II title. She was on the second-place 4x200 and was on the winning 4x400. Finished sixth in the 400.

Halle Markel, Gilmour Academy: Strong distance contributor, the junior will be out to improve on a fifth in the Division III 3,200. She was also on the sixth place 4x800 and qualifying 4x400.

Alexandra Markovich, Hawken: The senior seeks to defend her 3,200 Division III title, covering the distance in 11:04.53 last year. Put in a strong cross country season to take fourth last fall.

Lauren McCoy, Solon: Earned a lot of experience at the state meet in the 4x100 and 4x200 as the Comets placed third. The sophomore is expected to provide even more energy this year.

Taylor McDonald, Nordonia: As the lone school representative last year at state, she took fourth in the Division I 300 hurdles in 42.57. She was the district and regional champ in that event.

Briah Owens, Gilmour Academy: The senior returns to give the Lancers a shot at the Division III level. She was second in the 100 and sixth in the 200 at state, also on the qualifying 4x400.

Asya Reynolds, Shaker Heights: The sophomore gained valuable experience last year as member of third-place 4x400 relay in Columbus. Opened this season with wins in both hurdles and long jump at Maralyn West meet.

Chantel Richardson, West Geauga: Big things are expected from the senior after she won the Division I long jump at 18-3 and finished second in the 100 hurdles. She won the 100 hurdles as a sophomore.

Jocelynn Rogers, Lorain: Helped the Titans finish second in the 4x200 and eighth in the 4x400 at state. She also qualified in the 200 as Lorain took second in team race. She returns as an experienced junior.

Autumn Young, Cuyahoga Valley Christian Academy: Things went well a year ago as she finished fifth in both the Division II state 100 and 200, qualified in the long jump and was on the fourth-place 4x200 team. The Royals got a glimpse of things to come at last month's indoor state meet as Young won the 200, finished second in the long jump and third in the 60 sprint. A big year is in the making.

-- Joe Maxse

. . . Some boys tennis players to watch

Siddarth Ahuja, Hawken: After going 12-3 in singles, he teamed with senior Daniel Lubarsky to win Division II doubles state championship last year. The junior will likely go same route this season, determining singles or doubles at tournament time.

Austin Aten, Copley: Member of strong Copley contingent that sent two doubles teams to state. Experience should pay off as a senior.

Stephen Boslet, Hudson: Seeks fourth straight trip to state in Division I. Went twice in doubles before going singles route last year. Always in the mix at district level.

Alan Du, Copley: Teamed with Austin Aten to reach Columbus. Once again, experience should help in move to next level.

Jacob Dunbar, Cloverleaf: Strong family background in game makes junior a looming contender for Division I state honors. Won two matches in Columbus as a freshman, but was sidetracked in quarterfinals a year ago. Lost three matches in each of his first two seasons.

Nathan Griffin, St. Ignatius: The sophomore won an opening round match at last year's state meet. He lost to three-time state runner-up in quarterfinals. He has shown improvement in size and strength. Rivalry with Walsh Jesuit's Aaron Sandberg will continue.

Connor Michelich, Westlake: Follows in the shadow of state champion Colton Buffington, now at Louisville. Senior figures strong in Southwestern Conference play.

Wes Noall, Gilmour Academy: Reached state in doubles as a freshman and improved to take third place last year. Will have to find new partner after two-year stint with graduated Mike Riley.

Andrew Ong, Copley: The junior will be one of the Suburban League's top players as the Indians have established a presence. Made it to state in doubles last year with Jarad Pennington.

Jarad Pennington, Copley: The senior will be another player counting on experience to pay off come late May. Got taste of state-level play in doubles with Andrew Ong last season.

Aaron Sandberg, Walsh Jesuit: The junior looks to have a big year in Division I. He went to state in doubles as a freshman and qualified in singles last year, losing to eventual state champ Colton Buffington of Westlake in semifinals to finish third. Bested strong field to win St. Edward Invitational to open this season.

Jeff Williams, St. Edward: Reached Division I doubles at state as a sophomore and qualified for district last year in singles. Can be tough when game is on.

Dhruv Yadav, Hawken: Lost opening round singles match after reaching round of 16 in Division II. Candidate to team with Siddarth Ahuja for another run in doubles at tournament time.

Lucas Zalesky, University School: The junior figures to put in another solid year. Reached the Division II quarterfinals in doubles last year, but will have to get a new partner.

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